Does Fishing Line Go Bad? How to Keep Your Line Fresh and Strong

As an avid fisherman or just someone who occasionally enjoys a day out on the water, you know how important it is to have quality fishing line. It can mean the difference between a successful catch and going home empty-handed.

But even if you invested in top-of-the-line fishing line, you may be wondering if it goes bad over time. The answer is yes, it does. And when that happens, your chances of catching fish decrease significantly.

“If you’re using old, degraded or worn-out fishing line, you’re not only risking losing your catch but you’re also endangering yourself,” warns Andrew Azzopardi, founder of FishingBooker.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why fishing line goes bad and what factors contribute to its degradation. We’ll also share some tips on how to keep your fishing line fresh and strong so that you can have more fun and success on your next fishing trip!

Understanding the Lifespan of Fishing Line

Fishing line is a critical component when it comes to fishing, and it’s essential to understand its lifespan. Every angler should know how long their fishing line can last and what factors affect its durability.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Fishing Line

Choosing the right type of fishing line is crucial for a successful fishing trip. The type of fish species you intend to catch will determine the appropriate strength and type of line needed. For instance, using a braided line that has excellent sensitivity and low stretch could be effective in catching pike or walleye fish species. Still, it wouldn’t be useful for trout fishing as they have very keen senses and would scare them off.

On the other hand, a monofilament line may be ideal for small mouthed bass as it slides quickly across rocks without breaking. However, it might not withstand the razor-sharp teeth of saltwater fish species like barracuda since they can easily wear down the line.

Before selecting your fishing line, you must consider various factors such as weather conditions, water clarity, location, and target species.

The Factors that Affect the Lifespan of Fishing Line

When asking yourself “Does fishing line go bad?” the answer is yes. The average lifespan of fishing lines depends on several environmental and usage factors that play a significant role. Below are some important considerations:

• Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause fading, stiffness, fraying, and weakens fishing lines’ material composition.
• Water Quality: Prolonged exposure to chemicals, pollutants, and minerals in water bodies causes degradation in lines, leading to breakage.
• Storage: Improper storage of fishing lines can also have negative effects on their longevity. Leaving a line exposed to the sun or moisture for an extended period weakens it and eventually leads to failure.
• Fishing Technique: Certain types of fishing techniques like bottom-bouncing, surface dragging, and trolling can cause abrasion, damage knots, and reduce the overall lifespan of fishing lines faster than other techniques. Also, using lighter weights than the recommended test strength for your fishing line will lead to quicker wear and tear.

The Different Types of Fishing Line Available

There are four primary types of fishing lines: monofilament, fluorocarbon, braided, and wire. Each line has its benefits and drawbacks based on target species, water condition, and weather conditions

• Monofilament line: This type is most commonly used due to its versatility, affordability, ease to handle, knot tying ability, and sensitivity.
• Fluorocarbon line: It’s practically invisible and highly resistant to sunlight rays and harsh weather conditions.
• Braided line: These are excellent choices if you require high strength over longer distances with minimal stretch but not as sensitive as mono lines.
• Wire Lines: Wire lines made of durable stainless steel are exceptionally sturdy and ideal when targeting gamefish that possess razor-sharp teeth such as barracuda, king mackerel, and bluefish.

How to Determine When Your Fishing Line Needs Replacing

It’s always vital to re-spool your fishing line every season, regardless of its apparent condition. Most anglers change their fishing lines typically once or twice a year to maintain maximum reliability and strength.

The decision on when to replace your fishing line should depend on the following:

• If it’s deteriorated excessively due to environmental factors such as sunlight exposure, chemicals, and pollutants in water bodies
• If there are visible signs like fading, stiffness, fraying, abrasion, knots, and kinks that cause additional stress leading to breakage or weakens the line, resulting in missed catches.
• Check for any overall loss of strength; this may happen frequently after a prolonged period without use or damage while loading it onto the reel spool.

“Knowing how often to change your fishing line is crucial whether you’re an experienced angler or beginner.” -Fishing Booker

A reliable fishing line can be the difference between the catch of the day or coming back empty-handed. Regularly monitoring your fishing line’s durability and handling it correctly will reduce the likelihood of losing fish species during a trip and save you money by avoiding unnecessary purchases throughout the year.

So next time you ask yourself, does fishing line go bad? Remember that different factors contribute to lifetime expectancy, meaning it is vital to select the appropriate line type, monitor storage conditions, usage techniques, and know when to replace them.

The Impact of Sunlight and Heat on Fishing Line

When it comes to fishing line, some anglers may wonder if it expires or goes bad. While fishing line doesn’t technically expire, it can become weakened over time due to exposure to sunlight and heat.

The Effects of UV Rays on Fishing Line

In direct sunlight, ultraviolet (UV) rays can break down the polymers that make up fishing line. Over time, this can cause the line to become brittle and lose strength. This is especially true for monofilament and fluorocarbon lines, which are more susceptible to UV damage than braided lines.

“Over time, UV radiation from the sun weakens nylon-line material because it’s an organic polymer,” says Jay Yelas, a former Bassmaster Classic champion and current Major League Fishing pro. “Repeated prolonged exposure to sunshine removes molecular bonds in the polymer structure and after some period of time these degraded bonds lead to lower breaking strength.”

To help prevent UV damage, it’s important to store your fishing line away from direct sunlight when not in use. This can help prolong the life of the line and keep it strong and reliable.

How High Temperatures Can Weaken Fishing Line

In addition to UV damage, high temperatures can also weaken fishing line. When exposed to extreme heat, such as leaving your gear in a hot car or on a dock during a sunny day, the line can become weaker and more prone to snapping under pressure.

This is particularly an issue with monofilament line, which can absorb water and expand when heated, causing it to become even weaker.

“Heat will eventually cause all types of line to fail if they get hot enough,” warns bass fishing expert John Neporadny Jr. “It doesn’t take a scorching hot day to cause problems, either. All it takes is direct sunlight and an afternoon on the front deck of a bass boat to raise the temperature to concerning levels.”

The Importance of Shade and Cover when Fishing

One way to help protect your fishing line from UV damage and high temperatures is to seek out shade or cover while fishing. This can mean fishing under trees, bridge structures, or using an umbrella to create your own shade.

Anglers may also consider using fishing line with added UV protection or opting for braided lines that are less susceptible to damage from light exposure and heat.

“Braided lines have no monofilament in them, so they don’t suffer from water absorption or becoming brittle over time due to sun or other environmental exposures,” says Bassmaster Elite Series angler Keith Combs. “They hold up well over long periods without any degradation.”

How to Protect Your Fishing Line from Sunlight and Heat Damage

To keep your fishing line strong and reliable, there are steps you can take to help prevent damage from sunlight and heat:

• Store your fishing line away from direct sunlight when not in use
• Cover or shade yourself while fishing
• Use fishing line with added UV protection
• Consider switching to braided line
• Avoid leaving your gear exposed to extreme temperatures or prolonged sunlight
• Change your fishing line regularly, especially if it’s been exposed to harsh conditions

By taking these preventative measures, anglers can ensure their fishing line stays strong and reliable for longer periods of time. While fishing line may not technically expire, it’s important to recognize the impact that sunlight and heat can have on its strength and longevity.

The Effects of Water and Humidity on Fishing Line

Fishing line is an essential component of any angler’s set up. It holds the bait, lure or fly and connects it to the reel. As such, the condition of a fishing line can directly affect the chances of catching a fish, making it critical for anglers to know when their line might have gone bad.

How Water Can Affect the Strength of Fishing Line

Water can accelerate the degradation of fishing lines by causing them to absorb moisture. This affects mono and fluorocarbon lines the most. When these lines absorb water, their strength significantly reduces. Nylon monofilament lines start to lose around 20% of their original strength, while fluoro lines may lose as much as 50%. That means that if you are using a fluoro line with a breaking strength of 10lbs, when it absorbs water, its strength could be reduced down to as little as five pounds, making it more likely to break during a catch.

Much like nylon, braided lines absorb minimal amounts of water, with zero stretch making them great for long casts and lure retrievals. However, this doesn’t mean they’re entirely impervious to water damage. Braids made from polyethylene fibers tend to experience either moderate weakening or almost no weakening when wet.

To prevent your line from absorbing water, try cleaning your spool once a month with warm soapy water, and ensure that everything is dry before reloading the line onto the reel. Always avoid storing your rod outside as exposure to rain and dew can cause some serious damages to it over time, including corrosion and rotting of delicate parts like cork handles.

The Impact of Saltwater on Fishing Line

If you’ve ever fished in saltwater, you know firsthand the power of corrosion. Saltwater can be particularly damaging due to its high mineral content and salt concentration, leading to corrosion that weakens your line over time.

Fluorocarbon lines are generally resistant to deterioration from saltwater When it comes to braided fishing lines; they also tend to do better in saltwater as compared to monofilaments because they don’t react with salt. Nylon mono tends to absorb water more easily, exacerbating its vulnerability to salt’s corrosiveness. To avoid damage set-up, wash off all reels on done fishing in a sink full of lukewarm soapy water quickly, followed by rinsing them thoroughly using distilled water. Now let the rod stand with the guides upright before stowing it away in dry storage where there is minimum humidity.

“It is not so much tide that creates saltwater species but rather the unique interface between marsh and sea – so rich in nutrients.” – Thomas McGuane

Water can significantly impact the durability of your line, depending on the type of material used and whether it is exposed to freshwater or saltwater. Taking good care of your fishing gear after each use, keeping it clean, well oiled, and stored in a safe location, can go a long way towards ensuring that your fishing line stays strong for longer. Always consider when buying a new line, the frequency you’ll be fishing and different locations you might visit, and try going for something specially designed for those environments.

How to Store Your Fishing Line Properly

Fishing line is an essential component in fishing equipment. It connects anglers to their catch and plays a crucial role in reel performance. But does fishing line go bad? The answer is yes, especially if it’s not stored properly. Here are some tips on how to store your fishing line:

The Benefits of Keeping Your Fishing Line in a Dark, Dry Place

It’s important to keep fishing lines away from direct sunlight and moisture since these elements can cause the line to deteriorate faster. Leaving fishing line in the sun for extended periods can cause it to fade or even crack over time.

A dark, dry place like a tackle box, closet, or garage is ideal for storing fishing line. These places prevent exposure to ultraviolet rays and humidity, two factors that contribute significantly to line degradation.

“Proper storage of fishing line will extend its life and make sure that even old fishing gear performs well.” -Jason Sealock, Wired2Fish

How to Store Your Fishing Line on Your Reel

When storing fishing line on your reel, ensure that there are no kinks or twists in the line. If you leave kinks in the line when storing, it can damage the line and might ruin it completely. It’s also crucial to avoid putting too much pressure on the line when you spool the reel. Tightly wound line can affect casting distance, accuracy, and control while reeling in fish.

If you’re planning to replace your fishing line soon, remove the old one first before spooling the new line. Old fishing lines stored on reels for long periods may lose their strength and elasticity due to frequent winding, rendering them useless for catching fish.

“Monofilament line can take a set after being wound tightly on the reel for months. The set, or shape of the spool it was stored on, puts weak spots on the line, which could cause knots to break more easily.” -John Merwin, Field & Stream

The Proper Way to Store Fishing Line on Spools

In storing fishing lines on spools, there are several things to keep in mind. First, avoid laying the spools flat since doing so could make them uneven and lead to tangling during casting. Instead, store them upright or hang them using specialized storage devices.

If you have leftover fishing line, don’t just throw it away. Make sure always to put it back in its original packaging when possible. This will protect the line from the elements, limit exposure to air and ultraviolet light, and maintain its overall quality as well as reducing waste.

“So remember: With proper care, your fishing line will continue to perform optimally for many trips to come.” -Katie Mizeur, Outdoor Life Magazine

Signs Your Fishing Line Is Going Bad

Fishing line is a crucial component of any fishing gear, and it needs to be both strong and durable. However, many anglers often overlook the fact that their fishing line can go bad over time, resulting in weaker performance or even complete failure when trying to reel in a catch. If you’re wondering whether your fishing line has gone bad, here are some signs to look out for:

Changes in Color or Texture

If you notice that your fishing line’s color or texture has changed significantly, this could be an indication that it’s going bad. Overexposure to sunlight, saltwater, and other environmental factors can cause discoloration and weaken the line’s structure over time, making it more prone to breaking when under stress.

To prevent this from happening, always make sure to store your fishing line properly after each use. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture, and avoid leaving it exposed on the boat or dock for extended periods.

“Exposure to UV radiation and temperature changes degrades monofilament lines. You should try to keep them stored in dry and dark places.” -Ronald Hagerthy, Field & Stream Magazine

Unusual Kinks or Twists in the Line

If you’re noticing unusual kinks, twists, or loops in your fishing line, this could also be a sign that it’s starting to deteriorate. These deformities can compromise the line’s strength and may cause it to tangle or knot frequently during uses, leading to missed catches or frustrated anglers.

To avoid these issues, invest in high-quality fishing line with low memory and ensure proper spooling techniques when storing it. Additionally, check your line before each use for any deformities that may have occurred during storage or transportation.

“A line with significant memory will be more difficult to cast and control, particularly in windy conditions.” -Outdoor Life Magazine

Weakness or Abrasions in the Line

If your fishing line feels weak or appears heavily abraded in certain areas, it’s time to replace it. Frequent exposures to rough terrains, rocks, and other underwater obstacles can cause damage to the line’s exterior, weakening its overall performance and making it more susceptible to breaks or snaps while casting or reeling in a fish.

To prevent this from happening, use a fishing line that is appropriate for the targeted species and environment you’re fishing in. Consider using abrasion-resistant lines if you frequently find yourself snagged on rocky bottoms or submerged debris.

“Monofilament wears out and stretches over time; it also gets nicks and abrasions from taking hits against rocks, logs, weed patches, boat gunwales, and other hard surfaces.” -Sport Fishing Magazine

Frequent Breaks or Snaps While Fishing

Finally, the most obvious indication of bad fishing line is frequent breaks or snaps while actively fishing. If you find that you’re losing fish due to line failures, it’s probably time to invest in new equipment. Damaged lines are not worth risking losing a trophy catch over.

Maintaining good fishing gear, including proper line, will ultimately lead to successful outings on the water. Keep an eye out for changes in color, texture and kinks in your line, and replace it when necessary. Your fishing success and peace of mind depend on it!

“Replacing your line heading into peak season ensures that you won’t lose the biggest fish of spring because of a rusty old line.” -Field & Stream Magazine

When to Replace Your Fishing Line

Fishing line is an essential part of any angler’s toolkit, but how do you know when it’s time to replace it? While fishing line doesn’t necessarily “go bad”, it will deteriorate over time and usage. Below are some indicators that it might be time for a replacement:

• Fraying or visible wear and tear on the line.
• The line has been on your reel for an extended period of time (typically more than a year).
• Lack of strength during use – if you’ve noticed that you’re losing fish more often or the line seems to snap easier, it may be time for a new one.

“Fishing line should be considered expendable just like anything else in your tackle box.” – Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Mark Menendez

How Often You Should Replace Your Fishing Line

As previously mentioned, there isn’t a set timeline for replacing fishing line since individual usage varies widely. However, as a general rule of thumb, most anglers can expect to change out their fishing lines once a year. This not only ensures the line remains strong and durable but also helps with maintaining accuracy and casting distance. If you’re someone who fishes frequently or in extreme conditions such as saltwater environments, you may need to replace your line more frequently.

It’s important to remember that the frequency of replacement will depend on other factors beyond standard wear and tear. Factors such as exposure to sunlight, water temperature, and repeated casting can all weaken the line faster. Additionally, certain types of fishing lines such as fluorocarbon have different longevity periods due to their construction makeup, so make sure you follow manufacturer guidelines too.

“Check your lines regularly. Not only before you go fishing but periodically throughout the season.” – Fishing Guide and Writer John Kumiski

What to Consider when Deciding to Replace Your Fishing Line

The decision to replace a fishing line should be based on both physical cues as well as personal preference.

• If you’re someone who fishes competitively or relies heavily on catching fish, it’s crucial to have strong and durable line that can take on challenges smoothly.
• If you only fish occasionally or do so for leisure, then there may not be an immediate need to replace your line until damage becomes visible.

Choosing whether to replace your line comes down to what makes you feel comfortable and prepared out on the water.

“The first element in an angler’s plan is his equipment, followed by thirst for knowledge, time spent on the water, respect for other anglers, conservation of resources and mutual decency.” – Fly Fisherman Charlie Meyers

How to Properly Dispose of Old Fishing Line

Improper disposal of used fishing line can lead to environmental issues such as wildlife becoming entangled, and ultimately pose a risk to marine ecosystems. However, disposing of the line properly is quick and easy:

• Wrap up any excess line around an empty spool from new line.
• Insert into regular household waste receptacles or recycling centers (if possible).

Making sure your old fishing line doesn’t end up where it shouldn’t is just as important as changing it out for new line frequently.

“Anglers are the guardians of natural ecosystems that provide us with recreational opportunities and memories that last a lifetime. Let’s treat them with the respect they deserve.” – Fishing Tackle Retailer Aledia MacKinnon

The Benefits of Fresh Fishing Line for Your Fishing Success

Choosing to change out your fishing line has more benefits than just avoiding potential physical weaknesses and damage during use.

• Increased casting distance: Newer lines cast much further due to their smoothness, providing a better chance at catching fish.
• Better sensitivity: The increased sensitivity in newer lines provides lower likelihood of missed bites or fish getting away.
• Ease of knot tying: Newer, smoother lines allow easier and tighter knots resulting in less slippage and loss of catches.
• Faster sink rate: Certain types of monofilament fishing line such as low stretch can sink faster allowing for a quicker catch rate.

Catching fish is highly dependent on being properly equipped, and making sure you have fresh and effective fishing line is crucial when setting out.

“Fishing isn’t only about catching fish but also enjoying life through nature, recreation, and adventure.” – Japanese Angler Yoshinori Sugimoto

Frequently Asked Questions